Lake Clearwater Circuit

Lake Clearwater Circuit Track – Hakatere Conservation Park

The Lake Clearwater Circuit Track is a scenic 10.6-kilometre loop located in the Hakatere Conservation Park near Methven, Canterbury. This easy-to-moderate trail serves as both a destination in its own right and a natural starting point for those planning to summit Mount Guy. With an average walking time of around 2 hours and 18 minutes, the track provides a pleasant route for hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the alpine views.

The walk begins on a wide vehicle track at Lake Clearwater Village, with space for several people to walk side-by-side. It’s an excellent warm-up before the steeper climb up Mount Guy begins. Early on, the route crosses a small wooden bridge at the lake’s outlet—a scenic feature and a good photo stop. Just a few hundred metres further, hikers reach a stile and a Department of Conservation sign marking the beginning of the Mount Guy Track.

Visitors can start the loop either from the village near the lake’s edge, the campground, or from the picnic area with tables overlooking the lake. A 4WD-accessible track (open in summer) runs along the northern shoreline from the lake outlet and connects with various walking and biking routes.

Highlights and Natural Features

Lake Clearwater (Te Puna a Taka) is popular year-round for its recreational opportunities. In summer, windsurfing and fishing are common, while in winter, the lake sometimes freezes over, attracting ice skaters. The surrounding landscape, with its dramatic mountain backdrops and wide-open skies, makes this a rewarding destination regardless of the season.

Interpretive panels near the lake inlet and campground offer insights into the local ecology, including information on the Australasian crested grebe/kāmana—a unique waterbird that never ventures onto land—and native wetland species such as Carex secta/pūkio.

Route Options

The Lake Clearwater Circuit itself is well-marked throughout and suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers. For those continuing on to Mount Guy, the summit can be reached via a junction off the circuit track, approximately 4.3 km from the starting point. The climb from the lake to the summit typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours one way, with plenty of time to enjoy the sweeping views at the top.

Adventurous hikers can extend their route by continuing off-track from the summit toward point 1274m to the northwest. From there, it's possible to connect with Te Araroa and the Eastern Link Track, creating a longer loop that eventually reconnects with the Lake Clearwater Track near the starting point.

Key Information

• Trail length: 10.6 km

• Elevation gain: 122 m

• Estimated time: ~2 hours 18 minutes

• Trail type: Loop

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Accessibility: Open year-round

• Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, fishing, mountain biking, windsurfing (summer), ice skating (winter)

• Dogs: Not permitted

For further details, including seasonal access and track conditions, consult the Department of Conservation (DOC) website on the Hakatere Conservation Park.